MECO's Perez observes protocol in deference to P-Noy visits in China

Extreme Right is Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) boss  Amadito Perez

By Mortz C. Ortigoza

URDANETA CITY – The chairman of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) in Taiwan said he withheld news on the affairs between the Philippines  and Taiwan in deference to the visit of President Benigno Aquino III in Mainland China.

Former mayor of this city and MECO head Amadito Perez  Jr. said press releases on the summits entered by the Philippines and Taiwan would be released by his office after President Aquino concluded his state visit in China.

A foreign affairs observer who asked for anonymity, said the withholding of press releases from MECO is part and parcel of diplomatic protocol as to not undermine the political and economic visit of Aquino to China.

China considers Taiwan as its province.

Perez, whose post is equivalent to an ambassador, said  he usually goes to his Taiwan’s office two or three times a month.

He said that he reported regularly at MECO’s office in Manila while his vice chairman mans the Philippines “de facto” consulate in Taiwan.

Philippines have no official tie with Taiwan as the former has a treaty of “One China Policy” with China.

The former congressman refused to comment on the nagging dispute between the Philippines and China on the islets, sea beds, and seawater in the West Philippine Sea  called Spratly Islands the two states, and other countries, claim to be theirs.